Three ISU women were given distinguished awards at the Young Women Christian Association ceremony Thursday.

The Association Ames-ISU recognizes three women every year that represent their mission — to empower women and eliminate racism. The ceremony and reception took place at the Octagon Center for the Arts in downtown Ames.

The women awarded were part of YWCA or ISU faculty, staff or the student body. They were awarded in three categories: Women of Achievement, Rising Star and Scholarship Recipient.

“I think it can be inspirational for women of all ages to hear the stories of other women and how they’re impacting our community,” said Noelle Weber-Strauss, the ISU representative on the board of directors for YWCA.

YWCA has served Story County on the Iowa State campus since 1890. It is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world.

“The more you can get involved with your community, the Ames community, and the ISU community, the more your eyes will open to many new and different things,” said Angela Merrick, executive director of the YWCA.

The Women of Achievement award was presented to Susan Rhoades, director of the Academic Success Center at Iowa State. This award is presented to a leader who, through a lifetime of volunteer and professional activities, has made outstanding contributions to empower women and eliminate racism, the YWCA said. She was nominated for her role in empowering underrepresented populations.

The person who nominated Rhoades described her as showing a fierce nomination to the Academic Success Center.

“I feel very honored but also humbled because I’ve done my job and worked and helped people along the way. I was very surprised by it,” Rhoades said.

Rhoades is from Knoxville, Iowa and began her career in higher education as an educational advisor at Des Moines Area Community College.

Rhoades earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary teaching from the University of Northern Iowa, master’s in adult education from Drake University and her doctoral degree in education leadership and policy studies from Iowa State.

She said she had a special connection to English as a Second Language students and became their link to academic and community resources. She also mentored women who never had an opportunity to engage in leadership roles and saw their transformation to confident campus leaders.

Rhoades wanted to pass along advice to other women. 

“Take advantage of every opportunity [you] have. I have a mantra where it says, ‘we become what we practice,’” Rhoades said. “So if you keep practicing those leadership skills, you’ll be a leader. We need leaders people can follow.”

Rhoades’ main focus is to continue as the director of the Academic Success Center and she said one of the perks she really enjoys about the position is the opportunity to be able to mentor graduate students and young professionals.

The Rising Star award was awarded to Kayla Sander, senior lecturer of accounting.

The award is presented to a woman who has made a difference by serving women and girls and eliminating racism in the workplace, school or community. She was nominated for her dedicated efforts in organizing events, creating and leading a college business organization and providing mentor services to students.

Sanders had organized a Young Women in Business conference for high school girls to attend in hopes to inspire them to choose a business major. She also leads a Colligate Women in Business group.

“It’s an extreme honor. I just think it’s so kind for the people who nominated me to do so. And I am excited to have the opportunity to draw attention to some of the work I do,” Sanders said. “Because there is an underrepresentation of women in business, so we’re trying to advance that.”

Kierstyn Feld, sophomore in pre-architecture, was the scholarship recipient of $1,000 for the YWCA for the 2015-16 academic year.

Feld is an academic scholar and leader, and is active in the ISU Human Trafficking Campaign. She also serves as a conversation partner for foreign students through Friendships International and is a member of the International Student Ministry at the Memorial Lutheran Church.

“I am very honored and excited. I didn’t think I would win the award but it came as a surprise to me just because there are so many excellent women at Iowa State,” Feld said.

Feld advised young women to get involved in as many things as they can and to be a positive example for everyone. The more someone does for their community, the better the community will be, she said.

“I think its important for women who already are leaders to encourage other women and ask them to join different organizations or get involved with different things because sometimes all that it takes is for someone to ask you to get involved,” Weber-Strauss said.